Work-related respiratory illnesses as perceived by the working population in Hong Kong

Objective. To study the pattern of work-related respiratory illnesses as reported by the general working population in Hong Kong. Methods. Random digit telephone interviews were carried out on 2,189 subjects who had an occupation. A standardized, structured questionnaire was used to enquire whether or not the respondents had any illness, and if so, whether they thought the illnesses were related to the work environment. Results. Within 2 weeks prior to the interview, 27% (95% CI 25-28%) had had at least one illness, 15% had consulted a doctor and 14% had taken medications. Of the 582 subjects who had an illness, 30% (26-34%) thought that the illness was probably or definitely related to the work environment. The distribution of 210 illnesses reported to be work-related were: 1) cold or flu (49%), 2) frequent cough or phlegm (7%), 3) throat problems (6%), 4) nose problems (6%), 5) stomach problems (6%), 6) lower back pain (4%), 7) anxiety (3%), 8) asthma (1.4%), 9) skill problems (1.4%), 10) other lung diseases (1%), and 11) others (15%). The prevalence of work-related respiratory illnesses was 6% (5-7%). Conclusions. About 30% of the illnesses experienced by the general working population could be work-related and most were common respiratory disorders. More research is needed to find out the specific causes of these common work-related respiratory problems.